GNB Voc-Tech students learn youth court procedures

Tuesday

May 29, 2007 at 12:01 AM

NEW BEDFORD — Students from the new Legal and Protective Services program at Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational-Technical High School will undergo 30 hours of intensive training this month to prepare them to handle cases in the area's Youth Court.

NEW BEDFORD — Students from the new Legal and Protective Services program at Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational-Technical High School will undergo 30 hours of intensive training this month to prepare them to handle cases in the area's Youth Court.

The students are expected to become certified Youth Court mentors — in charge of meting out justice in the student-run, grant-funded Youth Court.

The 12 freshmen received a full week of instruction at Voc-Tech. One of the guest speakers will be New Bedford Police Chief Ronald Teachman, lecturing to the students about constitutional law.

"We're pleased that the students are getting this opportunity," said Atty. Kellie Martin, who teaches in the new Legal and Protective Services program.

Atty. Martin explained the Youth Court practices a system of "restorative justice," where students must first admit their offense before a group of student mentors who listen to the facts and fashion an appropriate sanction given all of the circumstances.

Cases that end up in the Youth Court are either diverted from the Bristol County Juvenile Court or a local school system.

Atty. Martin and Voc-Tech Social Studies teacher Paul Durland serve on the Youth Court's board of directors, as does New Bedford Police Sgt. Rita Ribeiro. Sgt. Ribeiro is also a member of the Voc-Tech School Committee.

During the training, students will listen to lectures, observe the Youth Court in operation, practice opening and closing statements, and learn direct and cross-examination.

Once they are certified, they will be able to serve as student mentors in the Youth Court.

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